Wednesday crawled by like a dental procedure you couldn\u2019t reschedule. I spent the day doing thrilling widow activities\u2014dusting Robert\u2019s books, deadheading roses, and wondering what my charming new son\u2011in\u2011law wanted to discuss over what would undoubtedly be overpriced wine.<\/p>\n
Thursday evening arrived with all the enthusiasm of a tax audit. I dressed for my role as modest widow\u2014simple black dress that suggested respectability without prosperity, paired with my mother\u2019s pearl earrings and Robert\u2019s broken watch that still looked dignified from a distance.<\/p>\n
The restaurant Marcus had chosen was one of those places where they pronounce \u201cwater\u201d with a French accent and the waiters look at you like you\u2019re personally responsible for their artistic disappointment. He was already seated when I arrived, looking every inch the successful young executive.<\/p>\n
\u201cSylvia,\u201d he practically levitated from his chair. \u201cYou look absolutely radiant.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, dear. This place certainly is something.\u201d<\/p>\n
And it was something, all right\u2014the kind of something that made you wonder if they charged extra for the privilege of feeling inadequate. We ordered wine. He insisted on a bottle that probably had more syllables than my high\u2011school diploma, and settled into what he clearly thought would be an easy conversation. He began swirling his wine like a sommelier with delusions of grandeur.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow are you managing life on your own?\u201d Wednesday crawled by like a dental procedure you couldn\u2019t reschedule. I spent the day doing thrilling widow activities\u2014dusting Robert\u2019s books, deadheading roses, and wondering what my charming new son\u2011in\u2011law wanted to discuss over what would undoubtedly be overpriced wine. Thursday evening arrived with all the enthusiasm of a tax audit. I dressed for my role…<\/p>\n
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